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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
11.05.2004 ET
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Newmont Decision on Cerro Quilish Brings New Hope for Residents of Northern Peru
Newmont acknowledges misjudgments in its relationship with Peruvian communities
(CSRwire) Lima, Peru - Oxfam America applauded Newmont Mining Corporation's
announcement that it has asked the Peruvian government to revoke the
company's permit to explore on Cerro Quilish, ending its plans to expand
the Yanacocha gold mine near the northern city of Cajamarca, Peru.
During September, thousands of local residents protested the proposed
expansion of Yanacocha due to concerns that expanding onto Cerro Quilish
would lead to water pollution and depletion. The situation was extremely
tense, with local residents taking control of Cerro Quilish and roads
leading to the mine. Demonstrations of 10,000 people or more took place in
Cajamarca's town square.
A statement issued by the Yanacocha Board of Directors said, "We recognize
that we were not always able to understand the magnitude of these changes
and did not always listen to the valid claims and concerns expressed over
these years by the Cajamarca community."
The decision was welcomed by local organizations, including some supported
by Oxfam, that had opposed the expansion.
"This is a step in the right direction for Newmont," said Keith Slack,
senior policy advisor for Oxfam America. "Their decision confirms that
mining activity should not happen until trust with local communities has
been established and community consent obtained. Newmont should apply
their learning from this situation to all their operations, including
those in Indonesia, the United States, and Romania."
Oxfam America supports communities affected by mining around the world and
promotes constructive dialogue about mining issues in Peru and other
countries. Martin Scurrah, regional director of the Oxfam America South
America program stated, "Oxfam is not opposed to mining investment in Peru
or any other country. We do support reform of the global mining industry so
that it demonstrates greater respect for the human rights of communities
affected by mining operations."
For more information, or to interview Keith Slack or Martin Scurrah,
contact Helen DaSilva at (617) 728-2409 or hdasilva@oxfamamerica.org.
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